It’s Black History Month

Find out what’s on in Camden at Love Camden and find resources and events nationally at the Black History Month website. Add your event to the website. Join Camden Black Workers Group and Camden UNISON at the Crowndale Centre on Friday 19 October for ‘Windrush: inspiring a younger generation’, an action-packed evening with a range of special guest performers and speakers.

World Mental Health Day 10th October

The day provides an opportunity “for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide”. This year’s theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is young people and mental health in a changing world
Find out about VAC’s projects: Cultural Advocacy Project and Health Minds.

Camden Community Infrastructure Levy Consultation

When new building projects take place in Camden, the developers are usually charged a fee known as the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Some of this money is used to fund key infrastructure across the borough, and some of it is used to help make sure that the development contributes towards the local area. The council want your views by 12th November. Click here to take part.

Volunteer with VAC and develop experience and skills in public health

VAC can provide training, and sessional work opportunities for committed volunteers. Benefits include free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) training to volunteer Health Advocates for Community Links, part of a new Care Navigation and Social Prescribing service in Camden. See Jobs and Volunteers section below for full details.

Third Age Project

To celebrate the Third Age Project’s move to new premises in Cumberland Market (beneath the Regents Park GP Practice) TAP are holding an open house week with events and a drop-in every day. Today there is cookery for older men from 12 -3pm. On Sunday there is a Silver Sunday community barbeque from 2 – 5pm and on Monday 8th there is boccia 2 – 4pm. Call 020 7393 4922 for details. Search Silver Sunday for more events for older people.

Fun Palace

It’s the Fun Palace weekend. Find out more and what’s on near you at the Fun Palace Website. Torreano Meeting House are taking part; the Torreano Fun Palace, 6th October 11.03am -10.15pm. See Events for details of the Holborn Community Fun Palace.

Healthwatch Camden AGM

Self-Care Workshops

The workshops will inform participants about what local services are available to them in addition to their GPs, and how they can better manage their health.
Click here to register.
~ 11 October 1:30 – 3:30 (St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre)
~ 24 October 10:00 – 12:00 (Queen’s Crescent Community Association)
~ 8 November 1:30 – 3:30 (Kingsgate Community Association)
~ 21 November 10:00 – 12:00 (Pax Lodge, Olave Centre)

Age of Creativity Festival

The Festival runs 1 – 14 October and celebrates everyone who takes part in creativity as audiences, participants, volunteers and artists in later life.
In Camden you can Knit and Natter at the London Irish Centre; join a library group; an art group; creative writing and lots more. Age of Creativity Festival.

Archiving Protest Materials

17 October, 10am to 8pm 230 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4QH
Learn to digitise and upload your archive. Flyers, newsletters, photos, videos and more are all welcome. Drop in between 10am and 7pm. Bring a laptop if you can. Book here, email: historyofresistance@gmail.com or 07894 350478.

Free Community Trees

In conjunction with the Mayor of London there are 25,000 trees to give away to London Community Groups. Order your pack here.

Camden Peoples’ Theatre: No Direction Home

A new festival exploring displacement, migration and refuge.
23 October – 11 November 2018
What does it mean to be an exile – or a descendant of exiles? To whom do we owe refuge, and how do we best provide it? Who gets to feel at home in Britain in 2018 – and who doesn’t? Full details at the festival website.

Bloomsbury Festival Family Fun Day & 1A Arts Film

21st October is Family Fun Day and will also feature a screening of a film produced by a group of young people at 1A Arts. Find out more here.

Free activities on Hampstead Heath for local groups

Are you interested in an outing or guided walk on Hampstead Heath or Highgate Wood for your community group? Click here for more information.

TfL Bus Consultation

Transport for London are consulting on changes to 33 bus routes (and 1 new one). Find out more and have your say here.

Camden Disability Action

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Magic Little Grants

Over 400 grants of £500 available for local charities and community groups delivering sports and physical activities
Info and applications at localgiving.org

Taking Action on the Social Determinants of Health

A grant programme for UK Public Health Network organisations to work with partners from outside of public health to take action on the social determinants
This grant programme funds partnership projects between UK Public Health Network organisations and partners from outside of the public health community. Full details here.

The HS2 Camden Fund

The Camden Fund aims to strengthen the sense of place and alleviate the disruption of the development of HS2 Ltd. on local people by achieving one or more of the following aims:
1. A Happier and Healthier Camden
2. A Better Connected Camden
3. A Stronger Voluntary and Community Sector
We aim to inform applicants of the result of their application within 16 weeks. Applicants can submit applications at any point between midnight on the 15th May 2018 and midnight on the 14th May 2020. Full details at Camden Giving.

Creativity and Wellbeing Day

Tuesday 16th October, 10am – 2pm at Surma Centre, 1 Robert St, NW1
Join us as we celebrate our local achievements this October and launch our brand new programme. Tea, lunch and a chat. Try your hand at some new activities. See what local organisations have to offer
RSVP: eroberts@mindincamden.org.uk

Need a Venue near Chalk Farm?

VAC now has 3 new rooms to hire out for Events/Training, etc. at our new base in the Charlie Ratchford Centre in Chalk Farm.
The Dining Room can hold up to 60 people, this can be useful for any large social events, AGMs, conferences, etc.
The Buffet Room can hold up to 20 people comfortably for training/workshops
The Lounge is a open area for anything that is not confidential and can hold up to 20 people
Rates and full details on the VAC website.

Camden Supplementary Schools Forum

Friday 19th October, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
5 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, London, N1C 4AG ( Room 11.12 Kingsgate)
The forum will be an opportunity to network and hear from Camden Learning about plans and support that is available to supplementary schools. You will also be hearing from guest speakers on topics such as mentoring, training, projects, accreditation and funding.
Please confirm your attendance by emailing suzie.yassin@camden.gov.uk with name(s) of attendee(s) and name of organisation.

Sleep Workshop for Parents and Carers of Children with Additional Needs

Volunteer Managers’ Forum: Networking & Peer Support

Join Volunteer Centre Camden for the Volunteer Managers’ Forum Tuesday 13th November, 10am-1pm in Camden to discuss all things volunteer management with volunteer managers in Camden, and beyond.
The topics will be varied, and can be anything related to managing volunteers – and will be decided by you on the day. Book at Eventbrite.

Do you have views on current bone & joint surgery, such has hip and knee replacements?

North London Partners in health and care (NLP) has launched a review of adult elective orthopaedic care services across north central London.
You are invited to an event on Thurs 18 October 2pm – 4pm to give your views.
Book your place at: info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk
If you are unable to come to the event, or you would like to give your thoughts in writing, you can read the full ‘case for change’ on the NLP website.

Healthwatch Camden’s Community Forum

Tuesday 23 October at 4.30. Have your say by attending the event and help to make sure that Camden’s health and social care services are the most people-focused in the country. The location is the Living Centre. RSVP for more information to info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

Age Friendly Museums Day

Saturday 6 October 2018
Age Friendly Museum Day is about welcoming older people and their families to our wonderful museums. Find out more here.

Healthfest

CLDS health and wellbeing event
Friday 26 October, 10am to 4pm
at Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre, Belmont Street, NW1 8HF
Come along on the day to find out about staying safe, staying healthy, staying active and having fun. Find out more at 020 79 74 37 37

‘Creating a Stronger Voluntary & Community Sector’

Thursday, 15th November, 5:30 PM 7:00 PM
Camden Giving has funding available through the HS2 Camden Fund for creating a ‘Stronger Voluntary and Community Sector’. We will share some tips and ideas about applications you could consider applying to us for under this strand so that you can begin to plan your project proposal.
This free workshop is aimed at not-for-profits with an income of less than £500k, whose projects/activities benefit Camden communities.
Click here to book a place or email danielle@camdengiving.org.uk.

Family Cook & Eat on a Budget Workshops at Castlehaven

October 3,10,17, 31 November 7, 14
The Haven, 23 Castlehaven Road, NW1 8RU
Learn to cook a family meal on a budget at Castlehaven. The sessions are designed to be fun and interactive for the whole family.
Dinner is made in class so you can relax at home. Click here for more info.

10 Years of Camden Green Gym

Camden Green Gym are celebrating ten productive and enjoyable years, and would like to invite you to join us to celebrated at the Waterlow Park kitchen garden on Tuesday 16th October. View the October programme here.
Please rsvp by 5th October to gg-Camden@tcv.org.u

Mighty Oaks Confidence Building Course

5, 10, 18, 19 & 26 October
At West Euston Partnership, 29-31 Hampstead Road, London NW1 3JA
Our qualified coach will help you gain a more positive mindset and take action to achieve your goals. Feedback on our previous courses has been excellent.
For more information, you can also watch this short video: https://vimeo.com/288222025 To book, contact David Hermanstein on 020 7388 7932/07908845154 or david.hermanstein@camden.gov.uk

Holborn Community Fun Palace

7th October 10.30am – 4pm, Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, WC1R 4RL
Create a piece of art, take part in a science experiment, or find out more about the history of the local area, the Fun Palace is a day to come along and try something new, whether you’re 4 or 94! There’s something for everyone.
More information here: or email hazel.east@holborncommunity.co.uk

Musculoskeletal health & wellbeing in Camden

An opportunity to meet the Camden MSK management team and our partners.
Wed 17 October 11am to 2.30pm at Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street
Jonathan Hearsey – what is Camden MSK and how do we help the people of Camden?
Lorraine Patel – what happens once a GP refers you?
Cristina Serrao – do you want to get involved with shaping the service?
Information stalls and Q&A session with local organisations including Connect, Camden Carers, iCope, IESO Digital Health, Women In Health, Age UK, VAC.
Register with Cristina Serrao, MSK Patient Director cristina.serrao@nhs.net

Free Wellness Gardening Sessions at Castlehaven

The Horticulture Hub, Corner of Hartland & Hawley Roads, Camden Town, London, NW1
We host Wellness Gardening sessions on Tuesdays from 1PM. Next week you can learn how to make your own herb garden, including medicinal herbs.
Click here for more information on next Tuesday’s session, or contact Nichola on 020 7692 2241

Camden Community Festivals

October Volunteering Fair

Looking to recruit volunteers in Camden or Islington?
Bookings are now open for the Volunteer Centre Camden Supersized Volunteering Fair on Wednesday 31st October, 12-2pm.
This fair is co-hosted with Volunteer Centre Islington and takes place in King’s Cross at Voluntary Action Islington on Pentonville Road.
This is open to all voluntary organisations that have volunteering in Camden, Islington and their borders.

Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre seeks Director

Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre is a well-established voluntary organisation that provides a range of services to South Asian women mostly in and around Camden. We provide information and advice, support and advocacy, education and training and a range of services to children and families. We also deliver the Homecare Service for LB Camden in Camden South.
Hopscotch is currently recruiting a new Director to lead the work of the organisation in this new phase of growth and development.
Salary: £47,096-£53,792 depending on experience 35 hours
We are looking for an experienced senior charity leader. You will be:
• Decisive and performance oriented, as well as inspirational and ambitious
• A good communicator, able to influence, negotiate at all levels
• Financially savvy, able to fundraise and manage contracts and accounts
• Passionate about delivering excellent services to women, BAME communities
Ideally, you will have experience in health and care and/or specialist women’s services. Safeguarding Level 2 to be completed immediately on hiring, if not already held, and an Enhanced DBS certificate.
For a full application pack please visit www.hopscotchawc.org.uk and to apply please send your CV and a cover letter to the Interim Director, Elizabeth Balgobin, at Elizabeth.balgobin@hopscotchawc.org.uk.
Closing Date: Midday Monday, 15th October. Interviews: 26th October – tbc

Volunteer with VAC and develop experience and skills in public health

VAC provide training, and work opportunities for committed volunteers
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and access to services that will help maintain good health and wellbeing?
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) training to volunteer Health Advocates for Community Links, part of a new Care Navigation and Social Prescribing service in Camden. Community Links Health Advocates signpost residents to community based activities and help with formal referrals where community based activities are needed alongside clinical care.
Volunteers will have access to other health related training, and will be part of a large multi-disciplinary team that meets monthly to develop the service and explore health related issues. After 3 months, active volunteers will have opportunities to take up occasional paid sessional work alongside volunteering.
Placements are in GP practices and other community locations. In return for your commitment to the project, we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact:
Mandira Manandhar, Community Links Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/6573 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk

Action Tutoring seeks Volunteers

Action Tutoring, an education charity supporting disadvantaged young people with their English and maths attainment. We do this by engaging local people as volunteer tutors, and offering them the opportunity to support our school-based tutoring programmes. Our commitment requirement is just an hour a week, over the course of 8-10 weeks. Apply here to volunteer just one hour a week to support disadvantaged young people.

Cocoon Family Support seeks Trustees

Are you passionate about perinatal mental health? Cocoon Family Support is currently recruiting new trustee’s to help us continue our vital work supporting families across London.
Cocoon provides support for families across London who are suffering with perinatal mental health issues and difficult emotions pre and postnatally. We do this by offering weekly peer support groups, creative therapy courses, mindfulness sessions, outings and activities. We have recently secured two NHS contracts – one with NHS England(London) and one with South East London STP to provide a lived experience voice and project.
We are now looking for Trustees to help us take the next step in our growth. We want people who are excited by our work, and who bring energy, commitment and networks to our Board. If you would like to join us in our journey please get in touch and we will provide you with our trustee application pack – info@cocoonfamilysupport.org

Community Mental Health Hubs – VCS Consultation Event

As part of its St Pancras Transformation programme, currently at public consultation stage, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust wants to improve its community services by developing mental health hubs in the community. These aim to consolidate services that are currently provided across 30 sites, and collaborate with community partners to provide service users and local communities with more holistic care and proactive approaches to staying well. We are interested in talking with voluntary sector organisations across Camden and Islington to see how we can best deliver this vision and therefore invite you to a meeting on 5th October (9.30-11.00) at St Pancras Hospital (Room 4, 1st Floor, West Wing).
If you would like to attend, please email Edward.cox@candi.nhs.uk to confirm.

Do you have views on current bone & joint surgery, such has hip and knee replacements?

For information on the case for change and the opportunity to give feedback – click here.
North London Partners in health and care (NLP) is launching a review of adult elective orthopaedic care services (planned surgery of bones and joints) across north central London.
In the first phase of this review, the partnership is inviting responses to a draft case for change – a document which shares why the review is needed and early thoughts on how this kind of surgery might be organised in the future. This review will run through to Spring 2019 with this initial intensive engagement phase running until 19 October 2018